Cults too strong for FPs

Booth struck 47 at the top of the order

FPs slipped to a 115 run defeat to Cults as Cults opener Devedas smashed an excellent 71 and Gillanders made an effortless unbeaten 66.  FPs showed a much more attacking approach with the bat in a complete departure from their usual pedestrian way but having lost 2 wickets in the 1st 2 overs of the reply they were always up against it.  Booth struck a blistering 47 at the top of the order but lacked support as only Davey 26 and youngster Mapplebeck 23 made double figures.

FPs new skipper Morrison won the toss and opted to bowl, handing the new ball to Vijapur and new man Mapplebeck.  However a combination of short bowling and fine batting meant Cults raced away to put on 99 for the 1st wicket in only 15 overs.  Devadas blasting 4 sixes and 6 fours on his way to 71 before eventually falling brilliantly caught in the gully by a diving McDonald off Lord’s bowling.

Spearman soon followed his opening partner, edging behind to Booth and stumped to ensure he departed for 22.  Saraswat hit a huge 6 before miscuing a full toss straight to Vijapur off Lord.  Phil Gill was then quickly despatched completely misjudging an offspinner from Knudson to fall for a duck – Cults 115 for 4.  Debo was then expertly stumped by Booth but was granted an unlikely reprieve due to Booth taking the ball to or early or perhaps breaking the wicket without the ball in a slightly sour moment.  He went on to make 27 as Gillanders passed 50 with the minimum of fuss, Debo easily caught by Senthil off Khan.

Stuart was bowling a good spell but with his usual lack of luck as 3 catches went down off him, before eventually a simple chance at point was claimed by Khan.  Gillanders hit a few more big blows as Cults reached 236, ahead of the returning Mapplebeck removing Masoud for 12, caught behind by Booth as Cults declared on 236 for 7.

Booth and Vijapur was the new opening partnership, but things started badly for FPs as Vijapur was out 1st ball and his replacement Senthil made just 4 unlucky to be bowled by Kruba by one that kept low – FPs 7 for 2.  Davey joined Booth and they played with real intent in an effort to chase the target adding 54 in 10 overs but suffered a mortal blow as Devendras struck with his 1st ball to bowl Booth for a fine 43.  FPs then slumped to 67 for 5 as Khan was plumb LBW and McDonald was caught for 3.  Knudson joined Davey, but the partnership was shortlived as Davey was adjudged LBW for 26.

Mapplebeck then struck a graceful 23 until he was caught off Devendras.  Morrison made 6 before he was bowled by a shooter, and Stuart and Lord suffered a similar fate as Devendras completed an unlikely hatrick to seal victory for Cults.

Overall, FPs should not be to downcast by the defeat as there were some positive signs and the overall approach was one of attack which should serve them well as the season develops.  The game was played in a good spirit and this was aided by the usual excellent performance by umpire Sutherland who controlled proceedings.  Stonehaven away will be another tough assignment next week.